Heater Core

[SVOBoyd]

I need to replace the heater core in my SVO. I remember on another SVO site there was some guy named Pat that knew how to modify the copper heater cores so they would last longer. Does anyone know how to get ahold of this Pat fellow, maybe he could post up some pics of a modified core? Is there even anybody named Pat on this site?

[MikeFleming]

His handle here is Patrick. He would add some reinforcing solder to the tubes where they attach to the core tank. I'm sure he will chime in and post some pics.

And iirc the copper heater cores are hard to come by these days - most have been replaced with aluminum.

[k98dave]

You have to be careful adding solder as to much heat could actually reflow the existing solder in the core. I would suggest JB Weld two part epoxy over solder on both brass cores alum core for sure.

[ChrisCurtin]

FYI I bought a new copper one from Rock Auto last month. Same part number as the originals that were so hard to find.

Some pictures:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8030953184_25cc564317_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8030950390_d43b4b28c0_b.jpg

Thanks,

Chris

[Patrick]

I'll search for the pics when I get back home in a few days.
In the mean time, here's a pic of the last of the copper cores and the first of the aluminum cores.

1941

[SVOBoyd]

Mike I know I was attempting to be funny! I picked the copper one up on ebay.

[MikeFleming]

My bad.

And you're banned (until your next post).

[Billibew]

I took mine to a local radiator shop and had them add some bracing to the bent tube as well as adding more solder to the joints. Here is what it looked liked when they were done. In addition to this i used two of the oxbow hoses that connect to the coolant lines to reduce vibration into the core. The bracing has to be done before it penetrates the rubber that fills the hole in the firewall.19531952

[SVOC]

Sorry this totally reminds me of The Jerk


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_pwhn6mhA/TZigF7lUAbI/AAAAAAAABAs/L1W4nmCIMFM/s320/jerk1.bmp

[Billibew]

Sorry this totally reminds me of The Jerk


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HM_pwhn6mhA/TZigF7lUAbI/AAAAAAAABAs/L1W4nmCIMFM/s320/jerk1.bmp


I guess so, but it worked quite well. That tube became very sturdy with the bracing and it has held up for over 3 years. Very little chance of it causing people to be cross-eyed.;)

[BobS]

Just a small point. The heater hoses should be "long enough" and soft enough (flexible) that with the torque of the engine, the hoses don't pull/tug the tubes loose (crack the solder) from the heater core. (preferably molded hose with some bends) I saw one svo that the heater core was changed 3 times real quick. Found that the hoses were too short, and too old, hard. No reinforcement is needed? Just longer (to be flexible), new hose.

[MikeFleming]

Sorry this totally reminds me of The Jerk "The new Phone books are Here!! The new Phone books are Here!!

I'm SOMEBODY now!!"

[KevinK]

It took a bit of searching to find this thread and it did not come up under a heater core search. It seems Motorcraft got wind of the reliability issues and now offer a 10 year warranty (saw it on an Ebay listing). The photo shows the brass style without a brace. Did the Motorcraft HC 5 ever come as aluminum or was that just the after market units?

[KevinK]

Motorcraft heater cores seem to be obsolete.

[dagenham]

I need one too. I called my local dealer and he did a search across the country and came up empty handed. I'm afraid we are down to using the aluminum replacements.

[KevinK]

You can have the old one rebuilt I believe. It was not cost effective previously.

[Meotchh]

Fox Mustang Restoration has them from time to time. Check them out

https://www.foxresto.com/Default.asp?gclid=CjwKCAiAodTfBRBEEiwAa1haulPCAQjrIZf9meEQ5B zVnrvUTjSaEgGVrR2n_pjz2mQzmLBZ0zhAoBoCA1IQAvD_BwE

[KevinK]

Only after market listed at FMR.

[Meotchh]

Only after market listed at FMR.
Call them & confirm that. They do get NOS cores in that do not always make it onto the site.

[Art Vandelay]

This guy just finished replacing his heater core with electric heating elements. He's not totally happy with it, but it does work. It's something I've been thinking about because my old TDI had electric supplemental heat. If done right, it could be a permanent solution for leaky cores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0zIHp_QQT0

[KevinK]

I scored and found an NOS heater core on EBay. Will see what actually show# up.